$20 Amazon Gift Card:
Help us test a new writing product
We are recruiting children to test and give feedback on a new, engaging writing app for children who are in 3rd to 12th grade.
Study Details:
We are looking at new ways for students to practice and receive feedback on writing persuasive articles.
We are recruiting boys and girls from grades to 3rd to 12th.
We are especially looking for children who struggle with writing or don’t like writing, though we will be testing with many different levels.
Our study will be done at the researcher’s home in Lafayette, CO or in the nearby community center at Nyland (your choice).
The study will be completed by the end of October.
The session will last an hour and involve your child trying a new writing app and giving us their honest feedback.
If you and your child are comfortable with it, we may ask them to wear eye tracking glasses and an emotional sensor.
Children will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card for their help.
Please Share:
We are testing a lot of children. If you know anyone else who may want to participate, please forward this opportunity to them!
Covid-19 Precautions:
Our first priority is for you and your family to feel safe and healthy. We’ll do everything we can to make sure you feel that way.
All researchers are vaccinated and will not attend if they are feeling sick. We are happy to wear a mask upon request.
If you have any questions or if there are any other precautions you would like us to take, please let us know.
About the Researchers:
This research is being conducted by mPath, a Boulder based research company. The head researcher is Dr. Elliott Hedman. Elliott earned his Ph.D. at the MIT Media Lab where he worked on making better emotional experiences for children with technology. Elliott has been a literacy teacher at the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver and Denver Public School’s after school club.
mPath has helped companies like Starbucks, Hasbro, Lowe’s, Best Buy, and many other’s better understand their customers through user research and co-creation. At mPath, we use sensors, eye tracking, and other ethnographic methods to help children and adults better tell their experiences. You can find out more about mPath at www.buildempathy.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the study take place?
October
When will I know if I’m selected?
We will be recruiting families the week of 10/17
What grades are you recruiting?
Ages 3rd to 12th
If I apply do I have to do the study?
No. We will send a second email if you are selected for you to pick a time. You can opt out at that time.
Can I fill out the application for all of my children?
Please do, but you’ll need to apply separately for each child.
An emotional sensor?
Yes. We have an emotional sensor made at MIT that measure’s children’s excitement. It’s not invasive, and is worn on the foot. You can find out more at www.buildempathy.com . If your child does not want to wear the sensor or eye tracking, they will not be required to.
Where will this study take place?
The study will take place at the researcher’s home in Lafayette or at a nearby community center (your choice).
What Covid-19 Precautions will you be taking?
All researchers will be vaccinated and will a mask upon request. We will have minimal contact with your child. Your child does not need to wear a mask, but can if you would like them to.
Will I have to sign a confidentiality agreement?
Yes.
My child is unique in a certain way (has ADHD, Dyslexia, homeschooled, in a wheel chair, etc.) can they sign up?
Yes, please do sign up. We really do want to test a diversity of children. There is a section in the application where you can describe anything special about your child.
I can arrange to test many kids in our neighborhood/school on the same day. Would that be of interest?
Yes. Please contact hedman@media.mit.edu with what you are thinking.
Where can I sign up to find out about future opportunities like this one?
In the application, you can sign up to be emailed about future research opportunities.
Who are these researchers?
The research group running this is called mPath. mPath is a design research company that works with families and children to better understand what they want.
You’ll likely be working with the founder of mPath, Dr. Elliott Hedman. Dr. Hedman earned his Ph.D. at the MIT Media Lab where he studied how to measure the emotions of children. He works at the Denver Public Schools and Boys & Girls Clubs in Metro Denver.
You can find out more about them at www.buildempathy.com